Power Trim Operation - Mercury 40 Sea Pro User Manual

a
a - Trim switch
b - Tilt range of travel

POWER TRIM OPERATION

With most boats, operating around the middle of the trim range will give satisfactory results. However, to take full
advantage of the trimming capability there may be times when you choose to trim your outboard all the way in or
out. Along with an improvement in some performance aspects comes a greater responsibility for the operator, and
this is being aware of some potential control hazards.
The most significant control hazard is a pull or torque that can be felt on the steering wheel or tiller handle. This
steering torque results from the outboard being trimmed so that the propeller shaft is not parallel to the water
surface.
Avoid possible serious injury or death. When the outboard is trimmed in or out beyond a neutral steering
condition, a pull on the steering wheel or tiller handle in either direction may result. Failure to keep a continuous
firm grip on the steering wheel or tiller handle when this condition exists can result in loss of boat control as the
outboard can turn freely. The boat can now spin out or go into a very tight maximum turn which, if unexpected,
can result in occupants being thrown within the boat or out of the boat.
Consider the following lists carefully.
1. Trimming In or Down Can:
• Lower the bow.
• Result in quicker planing off, especially with a heavy load or a stern heavy boat.
• Generally improve the ride in choppy water.
• Increase steering torque or pull to the right (with the normal right hand rotation propeller).
• In excess can lower the bow of some boats to a point where they begin to plow with their bow in the
water while on plane. This can result in an unexpected turn in either direction (called bow steering or
over-steering) if any turn is attempted, or if a significant wave is encountered.
FEATURES & CONTROLS
WARNING
!
b
c
c - Trim range of travel
37
ob00663